Nitesh Tiwari shares why Ramayana's Ravana isn't a typical villain

Nitesh Tiwari reveals a bold new take on Ravana in Ramayana, challenging his traditional villain image. Here's how the filmmaker plans to reshape the epic narrative.

In Short

• Nitesh Tiwari to direct Ramayana with Ranbir Kapoor as Rama and Yash as Ravana
• Ravana portrayed as multifaceted figure, not just a villain
• Film produced by Namit Malhotra, involving Prime Focus Studios and DNEG

Director Nitesh Tiwari is reimagining one of mythology’s most debated figures in his upcoming Ramayana. At the film’s teaser launch, Tiwari revealed that Ravana will not be framed as a conventional villain but as a benevolent and complex king—marking a significant shift from traditional portrayals.

Addressing questions around the Lanka ruler’s characterisation, Tiwari explained that Ravana’s story carries a deeper lesson. Rather than reducing him to a one-dimensional antagonist, the film will explore his intellect, devotion and leadership, presenting a layered figure whose downfall stems from ego and vengeance.

Why is Ravana being portrayed differently?

Tiwari noted that Ravana was far more than a “black character”. “He was a great warrior, an accomplished musician, a scholar, a benevolent king and a devoted follower of Shiva,” he said. By foregrounding these qualities, the filmmaker aims to highlight the moral complexity of the character rather than simply positioning him as evil.

He added that the intent is to underline a broader lesson: even individuals with admirable traits can fall if driven by pride and revenge. The portrayal, therefore, seeks to balance reverence with realism.

What can audiences expect from the film’s scale?

Beyond its reinterpretation of Ravana, Ramayana is being positioned as a large-scale cinematic experience. Tiwari emphasised that the film will not rely solely on spectacle but will be rooted in emotion. He also promised that the kingdoms of Lanka and Ayodhya would be depicted in a way “no one has ever seen before”.

The project is backed by Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Monster Mind Creations.

Who stars in Ramayana?

The film features Yash as Ravana, Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, and Sai Pallavi as Sita. Producer Namit Malhotra described the project as a seven-year journey, calling filmmaking a “speculative and lonely process” and expressing hope that audiences will connect with the final product.

Ramayana is slated for a two-part release during Diwali 2026 and 2027, with music composed by Hans Zimmer and A R Rahman.

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